Don't Cross its Path
Released by: Arrow Video
Release Date: October 27, 2015 (US) / October 19, 2015 (UK)
Production Year: 1981
Region Code: A + B
Running Time: 1:31:53
Audio: Italian DTS-HD MA Mono / English DTS-HD MA Mono
Video: 1080p (2.35:1 Aspect Ratio)
Subtitles: English
THE FILM - [ 3 / 5 ]:
*This Blu-ray is part of the 2-film Blu-ray/DVD set "Edgar Allan Poe's Black Cats: Two Adaptations By Sergio Martino & Lucio Fulci."
Edgar Allan Poe’s celebrated story The Black Cat has provided the inspiration for numerous films over the years. But few adaptations are as stylish as those offered up by the twin Italian titans of terror, Sergio Martino and Lucio Fulci.
In "The Black Cat," from that “other” Godfather of Gore, Lucio Fulci (Zombie), Scotland Yard Inspector Gorley (David Warbeck, The Beyond) find himself summoned to a sleepy English village to investigate the recent murder of a young couple. With no obvious signs of entry at the murder scene, Gorley is forced to start considering the possibility that his suspect may not be human…
Creepy and very atmospheric at times, "The Black Cat" is a fine film by Lucio Fulci. As it's also mentioned in the commentary track for the film, it's not heavy on gore which is somewhat unusual for Fulci. However there are a number of entertaining death scenes and the film has Lucio Fulci's usual style of focusing on the eyes of his subject. The film uses some eerie settings and features a great score by Pino Donaggio.
AUDIO - [ 4 / 5 ]:
"The Black Cat" comes with two audio options. There is an English DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track and an Italian DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track. English subtitles are also included. From the Main Menu you are asked which version of the film you would like to view, English or Italian. I thought both audio tracks sounded very good. The sound level was consistent and balanced throughout the film. For the English language version of the film, the voice actors were easy to hear and understand. Pino Donaggio's score sounds haunting and excellent. I did not encounter any problems with either of the audio tracks.
VIDEO - [ 4 / 5 ]:
"The Black Cat" comes to Blu-ray courtesy of a brand new 2K scan of the original negatives, thanks to Arrow Video. The film is presented in 1080p with a 2.35:1 Aspect Ratio. The Blu-ray features strong colors whether it be glowing yellow eyes, bloody wounds or a characters clothing. The contrast level looks very good as do black levels. Skin tones have a natural looking appearance. The film looks very detailed overall and it really shines in many closeups with great detail present in things such as the faces, hair and clothing of the characters. Film grain looked quite good, even in darker scenes. The movie is not debris-free as there was one scene that had a couple marks show up somewhat faintly for a few seconds. Other than that, I only noticed the occasional blemish. The HD presentation sure does make the strings on the bats more noticeable though.
SPECIAL FEATURES - [ 4.5 / 5 ]:
Audio Commentary with Chris Alexander - At the time this commentary was recorded, Chris Alexander was the editor-in-chief for Fangoria. He has since stepped down from that position. Anyhow, I enjoyed the commentary as it is basically from a fans perspective. Mr. Alexander does a good job of providing information about the film and members of its cast and crew. He does go off-subject a bit from time to time but otherwise he keeps talking, with only a few quiet moments, late in the film.
Poe into Fulci: The Spirit of Perverseness (25:37) - Film historian Stephen Thrower, author of 'Beyond Terror - The Films of Lucio Fulci' discusses Fulci's Poe-tinged classic. Mr. Thrower talks about the differences and similarities between the Poe story and Fulci's film. He also mentions some aspects of the film that were ripped off from some U.S. films, sometimes against Fulci's wishes. Also discussed are some of the shortcomings of "The Black Cat" as well as its positive aspects.
In the Paw-Prints of the Black Cat (8:28) - This extra also features Stephen Thrower who takes us on a trip to some of the filming locations.
Frightened Dagmar (20:12) - An informative interview with actress Dagmar Lassander. She discusses how she began acting and many of the films from her career. Ms. Lassander talks about how she once broke a contract due to not desiring to do the type of film a studio wanted and having to go to court. (with English subtitles)
At Home with David Warbeck (1:10:20) - A lengthy, vintage interview by Stephen Thrower that takes place at David Warbeck's London home. The interview covers a number of topics including what it was like to work with Lucio Fulci, acting skills he used in his roles and filming "The Black Cat." Mr. Warbeck shares several personal stories involving his career, experience in the film business and personal life including a very tragic story involving a plane crash.
Theatrical Trailer (3:01)
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly-commissioned artwork by Matthew Griffin.
IN CONCLUSION:
As mentioned earlier, this Blu-ray is part of the 2-film (4-disc) Blu-ray/DVD set "Edgar Allan Poe's Black Cats: Two Adaptations By Sergio Martino & Lucio Fulci." The other film in the set is Sergio Martino's "Your Vice is a Locked Room and Only I Have the Key" which we reviewed here. That set also includes an 80 page perfect-bound book featuring new writing on the films, Poe's original story and more, illustrated with archive stills and posters.
"The Black Cat" features excellent audio and video quality that should please its fans. The Blu-ray also comes loaded with two hours of extras. A bit of a different film from Fulci's typical gore-fests, it's still an entertaining film. I haven't seen the other Blu-ray yet in this set, but am very much looking forward to it as I am a fan of the film.
OVERALL - [ 4 / 5 ]
